Former Celtic defender O'Dea urges Samaras, Stokes to stay

Greek forward Samaras and Irish striker Stokes are out of contract at the end of the season and ex-Hoops defender O'Dea suggests they would be massive losses if they happened to depart Parkhead for nothing next summer.

"It's vitally important for Celtic to try to keep them both at the club," the 26-year old, currently with Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, told the Daily Record.

"They're among a group of players coming into their peak so there's no reason why they can't be here for another five or six years.

"Stokesy has grown up with Celtic while Sami has been there for that long he is part of the club and knows what it takes to be a Celtic player.

"It's important when new players come in that you have guys to teach and guide them.

"When the manager took over one of the first things he addressed was that his players knew what it meant to play for Celtic.

"It's crucial Celtic tie them down in terms of their ability and what they offer on the park but also because they play a huge part off the pitch."